Well get ready for mandatory backup cameras, because the government is mandating them by 2018. I don't think the bill has passed yet, but it's on its way.

Edit: looks like it went into effect this week, mandatory by may 2018. More details here: http://m.autoblog.com/2014/03/31/nht...-camera-rules/

 

I might have to look into a GoPro mounted in the back window. I was thinking about adding a small tablet to the dash for OBDII anyway. Now you got me thinking about how to make this work.

 

True, we have become soft. I couldn't live without the automatic wipers on our Minis....is that pitiful or what ??

 

Yea old fresnel lens works quite well. Had one on my H3 and the wife's Xterra, have not put one on the Countryman. Of course, that is if they still make them. Last time I found them in the towing/ motor home section. Most motor homes now have cameras.

 

WELLL .... SOME of you are happy

did you see that the US has decided this will be required equipment beginning in 18 . . . .

YEP ....

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)
Automakers will be required to install backup cameras in most new vehicles by May 2018, a federal agency announced Monday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a long-awaited rule requiring all new cars, SUVs, and minivans, as well as some new small trucks and buses to carry rear visibility technology.

 

Just get one of these and call it a day:



http://www.ebay.com/itm/351038707965...84.m1423.l2649

 

I'll post a couple photos within the week. On the road at the moment

 

its has a nice idea but do you have to turn on the apps everything you back up??

 

I have had this 7" nav/ back-up camera for over a year now. Veyr happy with the unit. I have moved it around 3-4 times trying to find a spot I like the best.

Here is the latest location with a temp bracket to see if it will work. I removed the drivers visor and installed a bracket and GPS unit.

So far so good. I'll make a cleaner bracket and hide the wires later.

The back-up camera on mine comes on once I shift into reverse.

 

Objects in your mirrors are rapidly disappearing..full speed ahead!

 

I can't tell from the photo what make and model that GPS/cam screen is. Care to share?

 

it looks like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Capacitive-Screen-GPS-Navigation-Android-4-0-Car-HD-DVR-Wireless-Backup-Cam-/161271439048?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item258c86dec8

 

Mine is a 7" Navsgo unit with a wired camera.

I have had it for over a year now and happy with the unit for the cost.

Get the one with the extra bright screen. It is a must have.

 

Someone asked for pictures a few weeks ago of the monitor I put in my wife's Mini. See attached.

 

Completely agree. Maybe a lot of people who are opposed to this are not parents? As parallel parking is one thing, but thinking about hitting a child is quite another. My 6 yo knows better than to jump behind my or any car that the engine is on. But other kids, either in the neighborhood or at his school or at the grocery store- not so much. A camera (or parking sensors) would just be good for peace of mind.

Also, I have to agree- why so much hate on this topic? If we were talking about wanting Xenons over halogens or comfort access over not having it, I don't think there'd be such heated replies. To each their own. I thought that's what Mini's were all about- having a fun ride that handles well that you can personalize your a$$ off. Seriously our parents grew up with cars that didn't have airbags, anti-lock brakes, or even power steering. Just because it was the "standard" for the time doesn't mean it was the safest thing or that should go back to that. (Le sigh) hindsight is always 20/20.

 

+1. Not sure why so many people get worked up about a personal preference ( at least until 2016 when it will be mandatory on all cars sold in the U.S.). I'm in a rural area and never have to parallel park, but it can be very difficult backing out of a diagonal space in a busy shopping center or busy street. With the blind spot on my Roadster with the top up, you are essentially blindly pulling out into possible traffic.